Obituary of James Melton Roach

James Melton Roach, age 63, of LaBelle, passed away April 12, 2013 in Lehigh Acres. He was born Feb. 8, 1950 in Rutherfordton, NC to the late Woodrow Roach and his mother, Edna Morrow. Jim was a graduate of Appalachian State University and was a member of the NC Golf Assoc. Jim was employed by the Lee County Sheriff's Dept. and had Jim Roach Nationwide Insurance in Cape Coral. Jim and his wife Karan owned and operated Cook-N-Country Restaurant in Fort Myers. For more than twelve years, he held various positions at Plattner's LaBelle Chrysler Dodge. Jim was a member of Lee County and Lehigh Bass Clubs. He also worked with the Hendry County Sheriff's Dept. in organizing the first annual Brian Haas Memorial Golf Tournament and National Law Enforcement Day. He was a member of Carlson Memorial United Methodist Church where he served as Chairman of Staff Parish Committee. Jim also served as Chairman of the Hendry County Republican Party. Jim had a passion for fishing and golfing. He loved the river in LaBelle and always felt it was under promoted in our area. He spent many of his years involved in activities with his two sons. They loved hunting, fishing, 4-H, playing golf, attending Pleasure Horse Shows and Florida High School Rodeo, where he served as President. He was Chairman of the SW Florida Horse Barns during the SW Florida Fair. Survivors include his wife: Karan (Barnwell) Roach of LaBelle, sons: Jud (Ashley) Clemmer of Tampa and Jeff (Victoria) Roach of Sulfur, LA, mother: Edna (McKaig) Morrow of Tryon, NC, brother: Woody (Susan) Roach of Myrtle Beach , NC, sister: Kathy (Scott) Harding of Tryon, NC and his grandchildren, Kaylyn, Wyatt and Reagan, who were the joy of his life. He is also survived by his brother in law: Bill (Janice) Barnwell of Ft. Myers and aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, May 4, 2013, 10:00 a.m. at Carlson Memorial United Methodist Church, LaBelle with Rev. John Bennett officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Hope Hospice, 2021 Wings Way, Lehigh Acres, FL 33936. You can view the online obituary and light a candle in remembrance of Jim and leave your condolences to his family at: www.akin-davis.com Cremation Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.